Tertulia Cellars Estate Vineyard: Riviere Galets

Terroir: The vineyard is situated on an ancient dried-up riverbed, initially carved by the Missoula floods. A deep bed of gravel defines "The Rocks District" AVA, and river rounded stones litter the surface and stud the subsoil. These dark stones absorb heat during the day and radiating it out during the night. This creates ripe concentrated fruit that makes for wonderfully complex wines, and the frequently windy conditions helps limit issues with mildew and disease.

This vineyard is situated at a latitude of 46 degrees North, drenching the vines with over seventeen hours of daylight during the peak days of the growing season. Later in the summer this region experiences hot days and cool nights, a diurnal temperature fluctuation which helps the grapes to retain Washington’s signature acidity.

Sustainability: Riviere Galets receives little in the way of rainfall so we utilize drip irrigation to direct the perfect amount of moisture to the vines. As the vineyard matures we will continue to introduce mustard, wildflower and other vegetation to help promote beneficial insects.